Further proof Axel has no idea what I want

[elise]

Went out to work with Axel again today. No trainer this time. It rained most the morning so hill work was kind of out of the picture. Ended up riding down the road. Goofy horse is very forward. Barely a squeeze and we get a trot. Barely think about a halt and he's full stop. He was rewarded with many "good boys" and neck scratches. I think he thinks "good boy" means stop now, whoops. Anyways this is just a bit more proof he just doesn't understand the round pen, or maybe bending is just a lot of extra work and he'd rather just stop. Couldn't manage a canter, just got bucking when I asked so we stuck to the trot and walk.

My trainer is bringing out her dressage whip for me to use for our lesson on Tuesday. I'm done with the kicking. I know he knows what a squeeze means, now it's just a matter of getting him to do it in the round pen.

Can you tell he works on the forehand more than with his hindquarters? Good lord his front legs are getting muscled up.
http://www.ineedanap.net/farmgirl/photos/2006_05/330_taking_a_break.jpg

Finally back in the pasture, whew.
http://www.ineedanap.net/farmgirl/photos/2006_05/342_happy_axel.jpg

My other horse, Cody, trying to get as dirty as possible.
http://www.ineedanap.net/farmgirl/photos/2006_05/344_cody_rolling.jpg

Dirty horse.
http://www.ineedanap.net/farmgirl/photos/2006_05/347_dirty_cody.jpg

[julia gulia]

L.O.L.!!!!! Great pictures.....:p

[CMR]

:eek: OMG! Look at those muscles in that second pic! He looks like a bodybuilder! What breed/breeds is he? Both are very gorgeous boys :D

[Danyele]

They're both B-E-A-U-TIFUL! Is Axel a QH Cross or something?

[elise]

Thanks! I actually have no idea what he is. My best guess is QH. I was once told Appy but he's got no spots and his mane and tail are pretty long. He came from an auction or something in North or South Dakota, so QH is pretty likely. He's over 16hh though and his feet are probably size 3 or bigger.

[ajhainey]

Crikey - those are very impressive legs - I wish you luck convincing him to get off his forehand! aj xx

[elise]

Crikey - those are very impressive legs - I wish you luck convincing him to get off his forehand! aj xx

He shall be doomed to work on the hills until he does ;)

[FreedomStar]

Elise, what gorgeous horses you've got! And I bet he is doomed to the hills...hehe. :) Have you thought about polework, to get him to lift his legs? If you set up raised poles/cavaletti it might make him pick up his legs.

[elise]

We did set up a couple ground poles last lesson to get him to pick up his feet and pay attention. Even got a few trots over the poles though he's no expert yet.

I'm anxious to see what kind of momentum we get during tomorrow's lesson. Probably going to try a dressage whip if he's not forward.